Idaho Prosecutors Lament Rejection of Abuse Bill

(BOISE) – A long-time Idaho lawmaker is retiring this year, and prosecutors are lamenting the fact that his bill aimed at toughening Idaho’s child abuse laws died without a hearing. Republican Sen. Denton Darrington of Declo wanted to make it a felony for adults who knowingly don’t report incidents of child abuse or neglect. The bill had the backing of the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, though opponents thought the legislation went too far. Supporters say the bill would have encouraged more adults to do the right thing and not look the other way.